SIE’s Fresh Ideas Competition has had an update!

The Competition looks to seek out promising ideas which can turn into business with real potential. Fresh Ideas is aimed at students and recent graduates from Scottish universities and colleges with great ideas, who are keen to look further into their idea and how they could convert it into a business or social enterprise.

Ideas don't need to be supported with fully-fledged business plans, and you don't need to have planned out a whole strategy either.

Now, for the first time Stage 1 is open and judged 10 months of the year with monthly prizes to be won. The monthly winners and other entries showing fab ideas will win £100 and move forward to the second stage in February and March.

The prizes for Stage 2 are pretty brilliant - £1200 and a personalised support package.

Fresh Ideas is Scotland's longest running competition dedicated to early-stage ideas specifically for students and many successful young entrepreneurs have taken their first leap through Fresh Ideas.

How do students or recent graduates enter the competition?

Eligible students and graduates can enter the competition online by completing the online entry form, accessible at www.sie.ac.uk.

Notes on Eligibility:1. Entrants must be students or recent graduates at a Scottish University or College.2. Recent graduates must be no more than 2 years post graduation.3. Students or graduates can come from either undergraduate or post-graduate courses.4. The competition is not open to University or College staff members5. If entering a team, ALL members of the team must be eligible students or recent graduates.6. Entrants who have entered in previous SIE competitions can apply to this one.7. If you entered in an earlier month and did not win you can enter again providing the idea has been significantly updated.

Stage 2 kicks off with an Exploration Day - this invite-only workshop provides successful entrants with the opportunity to learn from SIE's resident experts how to improve their ideas and effectively communicate their idea. Entrants will learn how to optimise their chances of progressing to the next stage. You'll have a chance to alter your competition entry before resubmitting.

FRESH IDEAS FAQS

When can I enter Fresh Ideas?Fresh Ideas is always open for entries! Each month's entries are judged at the end of the month. To allowSIE to run stage 2, there are 10 judging months. During February and March, you can enter stage 1 butthose entries will not be assessed by judges until the end of April.

Can I talk to an Advisor before entering?Yes. Please visit the SIE website to find contact information for your local advisor or contactinfo@sie.ac.uk

What happens if I enter in February or March?Stage 1 entries received in February or March will be judged with April's entries in April. Winners & HighlyCommended entrants will be invited to progress to stage 2 and attend the next Exploration Day. They mayalso be invited to join the SIE Entrepreneurs group.

When should I tick the 'resubmission' box?If you have entered Fresh Ideas in a previous month with this idea, please tick the resubmission box. Youcan re-enter an idea that you did not previously win with providing the idea has been significantly updated.This is an opportunity for you to work with an SIE advisor to improve your idea.

During stage 2 you will also have the opportunity to improve your idea and submit an updated entry. If youare doing that, you should also tick the resubmission box to flag that to the SIE team.This will be coveredwhen you attend Exploration Day.

What happens to my idea after I enter?Your entry to stage 1 will typically be judged at the end of the month you entered. (The exception beingFebruary and March). You will be contacted by SIE with the result of the judges decision and next steps. Ifyou were a winner or your idea was highly commended by the judges, you will be invited to progress to stage2 and attend Exploration Day?

Who owns my idea?Ownership of your idea remains with you. You are not giving up any rights to your idea by entering thecompetition.

Do I have to use the seed money on my idea?No, it is your decision what you use the prize money on. You could use it to test elements of your idea andready yourself for the next steps. An SIE Advisor is always available.

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The Young Enterprise Scotland Bridge 2 Business Programme inspires, connects and supports college students into business both through our online presence and our network team of staff and volunteers across Scotland.

At Young Enterprise Scotland we passionately believe in shining a light on the ‘everyday entrepreneurs’ that young people can more easily relate to and be inspired by. We expose young people to enterprise-related learning.